Stevenage EV Charging Points Fail, Leaving Drivers Stuck and Paying More

Strategic Insights -

Drivers in Stevenage, a town in Hertfordshire, England, are facing frustration with electric vehicle (EV) charging points installed by Blink Charging. Despite multiple attempts, users have reported being unable to charge their vehicles, with various payment methods failing to work. The only alternative available is to use a Shell Recharge card, which adds an additional 25p per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making it a more expensive option for local residents. This situation has raised concerns about the reliability of EV charging infrastructure and the impact on the broader push towards clean transport in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blink Charging points in Stevenage have been experiencing repeated failures, with drivers unable to charge their vehicles.
  • Multiple payment methods, including bank cards, credit cards, the Blink app, and Zap Pay app, have been tried, but none have worked.
  • The only functional payment option is the Shell Recharge card, which adds 25p per kWh to the price, making it more expensive for users.
  • The contract between Blink Charging and Stevenage Borough Council runs until 2031.
  • Councillor Loraine Rossati, cabinet member for economy, skills, and transport at SBC, has acknowledged the issue and encouraged users to contact Blink directly for assistance.
  • Users can report payment issues to Blink at hostsupport.uk@blinkcharging.com.

Statistics:

  • 25p per kWh is the additional cost for using a Shell Recharge card compared to other payment methods.
  • The contract between Blink Charging and Stevenage Borough Council expires in 2031.
  • Multiple payment methods have failed to work, including bank cards, credit cards, the Blink app, and Zap Pay app.

Sources:

  • "EV charge points in Stevenage not working" (The Comet, no date provided)